Portuguese · Real conversations
Repairing a conversation: useful Portuguese phrases
Check a meaning and leave with something you can use.
Start with the essentials
Start with the essential words and expressions below. Next, learn the five specific phrases in the reference table. Finally, read both sides of the exchange and try the linked rehearsal before revealing its sample replies. This collection connects to the broader vocabulary topic.
- I don't understand
não entendo
I don't understand
- Can you repeat that, please?
Você pode repetir, por favor?
Can you repeat that, please?
- More slowly, please
mais devagar, por favor
More slowly, please
- I have a question
tenho uma pergunta
I have a question
Make the conversation more specific
| What you want to say | Portuguese |
|---|---|
| I don't understand | não entendo I don't understand |
| Can you repeat that, please? | Você pode repetir, por favor? Can you repeat that, please? |
| More slowly, please | mais devagar, por favor More slowly, please |
| I have a question | tenho uma pergunta I have a question |
| Could you write it down? | Você poderia escrever isso? Show English translationCould you write it down? |
| Could you give me an example? | Você poderia me dar um exemplo? Show English translationCould you give me an example? |
| Do you mean ...? | Você quer dizer …? Show English translationDo you mean …? |
| Let me check that I understood. | Deixa eu ver se entendi direito. Show English translationLet me check that I understood. |
| Is this the right word? | Essa é a palavra certa? Show English translationIs this the right word? |
Read the other side of the exchange
Partner
O nome é um pouco difícil de escrever.
The name is a little difficult to spell.
You
Você poderia escrever isso?
Could you write it down?
Partner
Claro. Esta palavra descreve uma ação habitual.
Of course. This word describes a regular action.
You
Você poderia me dar um exemplo?
Could you give me an example?
Repairing a conversation in other languages
A note on speaking Portuguese
These guides use Brazilian Portuguese. Você is a common everyday address; senhor or senhora may fit a more formal interaction. Eu gostaria and poderia can soften requests without making them complicated.
Keep the accents and nasal spellings, such as não and conexão. Portuguese in Portugal may use different everyday vocabulary or pronouns. The examples aim for broadly understandable Brazilian wording.
